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Amajita pip Nigeria to AFCON final

Amajita booked their spot in the U20-Africa Cup of Nations final with 1-0 win over Nigeria in the semi-finals on Thursday evening.

Thabang Mahlangu was rewarded with a start by Amajita after netting the winner in extra-time against the Democratic Republic of Congo, while Yanga Madiba and Kutlwano Letlhaku completed the other changes.

The Flying Eagles pressed aggressively earlier on and nearly had the lead when a corner-kick from Clinton Jephta shaved the top of the woodwork.

Jephta was involved again a few minutes later where he came short left of the area to pick out Nathaniel Arierhi, who mis-judged the delivery.

The South African outfit came alive after an underwhelming period and saw Mahlangu sneak between the defence to head narrowly wide ten minutes to the break.

Raymond Mdaka's charges looked for more control in the second half and added more firepower up top by throwing on Jody Ah Shene for Letlhaku while Shakeel April replaced Madiba.

Amajita were energised thereafter as captain Neo Rapoo proved influential on the left of the area and unsettled substitute goalkeeper Aija Yakub.

Yakub didn’t cover himself in glory in the 66th minute where he mis-judged the flight of Rapoo's cross, which allowed defender Tylon Smith to head in an empty net.

Nigeria pushed strongly for the equaliser towards the end and saw a snap shot from the centre of the box by Auwal Ibrahim narrowly shaved the near post.

There were more chances for the the Flying Eagles two minutes to the end as a pin-point header by Ayouma forced Fletcher Smythe-Lowe to a diving save, as South Africa booked their spot in the final.

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